Web Quest: Copyright and Web Design
Quest Directions
Web Design Copyright violations constitute a growing concern on the part of website developers. Visit the links below to examine some of the relevent copyright issues pertaining to web design. When you've completed your quest, test your knowledge with the quiz on the right. See how much you've learned. Are you a WYSIWYG Wizard, or a Stuttering Luddite? Let the quiz decide.
Copyright and Web Images
Thinking of borrowing a few images from Google for your website? Think again. Suprisingly, artists and photographers are very
serious about their art. They will take you to court if they think you've pilferred their work. However, there are some (the really fun ones) who will
let you use anything they create. The devil is in the details and the fine print.
Visit these sites to learn more about image copyrights.
Social Media Examiner
Myths About Copyright
BitLaw
Copyright and Coding
Computer coding copyrights are some of the most difficult to discern. After all, a FOR loop is a FOR loop is a FOR loop. We're not talking about borrowing the
code from Netscape to create Internet Explorer, but rather researching bits of javascript and HTML using the View Source ability of your browser. You'll be quite surprised to realize that
currently, you are all violating my copyright. The true golden rule of coding is that if you didn't write it on a blank screen, you may not really own it. The difficulties arise when someone
uses another's source as sort of a dictionary (Where does that semi-colon go?) Explore these sites to expand your knowledge of Computer Coding Copyrights.
Internet Attorney
SEQ Legal
Copyright and Domain Names
There are Squatter's Right and then there are Copyrights. There was a time when a small investment in the rights to a Domain Name would turn a tidy profit. (Hillary for President.com anyone?)
Such things are becoming more difficult as people become fully internet intergrated. Additionally, with the new line of domain types (.biz, .tv, .me!!) It's becoming more difficult for individuals
to leverage domain names as an investment. The sites below will provide you with additional information on copyrights and Domain Names.
Where to Register Websites
Traverse Legal
Preventing Copyright Violations of Your Own Work
Whether it's watermarked images or transparent overlays, more and more tools are available to web designers to prevent the "borrowing" of their work. This
is a dual edged sword. In the early days of the internet, one way that future web designers learned was by examining the codes of others. In fact, it is because of this that the World Wide Web
Expanded. Computer code was no longer the proprietary information of those with pocket protectors and sites such as Geocities (come one, we've all had a Geocities site at one time or another)
promoted growth and curiousity. This environment of sharing creates the Facebooks of tomorrow and it's passing is bittersweet. Check out this site for some ways to protect your designs.
Website Content Theft
